In this study, catalysts based on nickel (15 wt.%. Ni) supported on SiO2 and silica modified by Li addition (0.1 and 1 wt.%. Li) were characterized for their application in dry reforming with carbon dioxide. Catalysts were characterized by using hydrogen chemisorption, H-2-TPR, XRD, DRIFTS and dry reforming reaction tests. The effect of the Li loading on the catalyst structure, the catalytic activity, stability and the deactivation rate by carbon formation are reported. The Li addition on the SiO2 support increases noticeably the resistance to deactivation by carbon deposition. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.